But Spike was already running away, his heart full of pain. He fled into the forest, leaving the three of them staring after him in shock.As he ran through the forest, he saw Elliott standing in the distance, watching him with a look of worry and concern. But Spike didn't stop. He just kept running, until he was far away from the people and the problems that had caused him so much pain.As Spike ran deeper and deeper into the forest, he could hear Elliott calling after him, but he didn't stop. He just kept running, until his legs were burning and his lungs were heaving. He collapsed in a clearing, his body shaking with exhaustion and emotion."Spike!" Elliott's voice rang out through the trees. "Please, just talk to me!"But Spike was lost in a sea of thoughts, his mind whirling with anger, sadness, and confusion. He didn't know what to do or how to feel. He just wanted the pain to go away."Please go away, Elliott, just go.""I'm not leaving you," Elliott said, his voice firm but ki

Spike felt small and insignificant, like a child caught in the middle of a parental spat.Nolan and Carnelian's relationship was so different from what Spike was witnessing now. They seemed to have an unspoken understanding, with Carnelian always acquiescing to Nolan's desires. It was like an invisible contract, where she gave up her own needs in exchange for something else, something she felt was worth more. But Danny and Clarissa's dynamic was much more complicated. It was a constant push and pull, each of them fighting for their own needs, without ever seeming to find a resolution. And it seemed like Clarissa had given up on even trying to communicate what she really wanted.As Spike watched Danny and Clarissa argue, he felt a lump in his throat and tears welling up in his eyes. He had dreamed of finding the perfect family, one that was loving and supportive, but this was not what he had imagined. He couldn't help but feel like he was somehow to blame for all of this, like he was t

Carnelian was anxious, wondering where Spike might be. She was sitting in her living room, when she suddenly heard a tapping at the window. Looking up, she saw a dove fluttering against the glass, as if trying to get her attention.She opened the window and carefully untied a message from the dove's leg. Holding it up to the light, she saw that it was from Spike. "Spike is back," she read aloud, her heart pounding with anticipation.As Carnelian approached her ex-husband, she saw a look of relief and joy on his face. "I'm so glad to hear that Spike is okay," he said, taking the letter from her hands. "It's been so worrying, not knowing what happened to him."The two of them stood together, reading the letter and feeling a sense of hope and anticipation. Though they had been divorced for some time, they still shared a bond of love and concern for their son."We should go to him," Carnelian said, her eyes shining with emotion. As they approached the spot where Spike had last been seen,

Carnelian laughed, the sound as lovely as a spring rain. "Well, I'm glad to be back," she said. "Now come, let's sit in the shade of the trees and talk. There's so much to catch up on."Travis followed Carnelian to a secluded glade, where they sat on a mossy log and looked out at the flowers blooming around them. The air was sweet and fragrant, and the sun was warm on their faces. It was as if they were in a different world, far from the cares and concerns of ordinary life.Carnelian broke the silence first. "Tell me, what did you learn on your journey?" she asked, her eyes filled with curiosity.Travis was tongue-tied, his words stuck in his throat like a knot of vines. He fumbled for something to say, but the words just wouldn't come. His mind was a jumble of thoughts, and he couldn't seem to find the right ones. He shifted uncomfortably, unsure of what to do or say. It was as if he had forgotten how to speak in the presence of Carnelian, his tongue suddenly heavy and slow."I learn

Elliott narrowed his eyes, not sure if he should believe Spike. "Wait, so you do want them to be cute, but you think it's too good to be true? I'm a bit confused," he said. Spike laughed, and explained, "It's just that things never go that smoothly in real life. Something always goes wrong. I'm worried that something bad is going to happen to them." Elliott nodded, understanding what Spike meant. "I get it. You're just being cautious," he said.Spike felt a blush rising to his cheeks. He knew that Elliott was a good person, and he felt grateful to have him as a friend. But he also felt guilty for the way he had treated Elliott before they became friends. He knew he had been mean and selfish, and he didn't want to take advantage of Elliott's kindness. "I'm really sorry for the way I treated you before," he said. "You didn't deserve that."Elliott smiled, and put a hand on Spike's shoulder. "It's okay," he said. "You were just having a hard time, and you didn't know how to deal with it.